Because of the hazards associated with fireworks the Plainfield Fire Protection District is asking everyone to please leave the fireworks show to the professionals. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that last year there were an estimated 11,100 fireworks related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Of those reported injuries there were 181 people treated in Illinois hospital emergency departments last year. Fireworks also pose a fire hazard, on June 24th a home in Portage, Indiana was significantly damaged and the family lost a pet cat in a fire that appears to have started when a mortar that a neighbor set off went towards the home. Even novelty fireworks that are legal in Illinois are not without risk. Sparklers typically burn between 1,200 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. The metal rod stays hot enough to cause significant burns even after the sparkler goes out. If you celebrate with sparklers keep a bucket of sand or water nearby to dispose of the spent sparkler. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using fireworks. Never try to pick up or relight any fireworks that fail. Don’t carry fireworks in your pockets. Don’t use fireworks near structures or on grassy areas. Always keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby when using fireworks. Make sure the fireworks you have are legal in Illinois. For more information on legal fireworks please visit the web site of the Illinois State Fire Marshal at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/SFMDocuments/Documents/ApprovedAndProhibitedFireworks.pdf. The Plainfield Fire Protection District wishes everyone a safe and happy Independence Day holiday!
Did you know that 250 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday? Click here to view a PDF on firework injuries.